Baked Ziti with Sausage is a comforting Italian-American casserole made with tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese. It is an easy dinner that is perfect for family meals, cozy weekends, and gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich and flavorful sausage
- Creamy ricotta and melted cheese
- Hearty marinara sauce
- Easy make-ahead dinner
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage
1. Cook the Pasta
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage. Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
5. Assemble the Ziti
Spread a little sausage sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, sausage sauce, and mozzarella.
Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
6. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Serve
Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
- Don’t overcook the pasta because it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use hot Italian sausage for extra spice or mild sausage for a more family-friendly version.
- Allow the casserole to rest before slicing so the layers hold together.
- Add extra mozzarella on top for a cheesier finish.
- You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
Baked Ziti with Sausage is a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that combines pasta, savory sausage, marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta in every bite. It is an easy comfort-food recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
